Cancer will always be a part of her life: Olivia DeCaria

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RICHLAND, Wash. -- Leading up to the Relay For Life event on June 7th, Action News will introduce you to different people in the community impacted by cancer. They may be your neighbor, babysitter, or co-worker, but they each have a unique story to share.This is Olivia's story.

“Cancer is always going to be a part of her life,” said Julie DeCoria. “It's not a matter of if it's going to come back, it's when."

It's hard to even comprehend what this vivacious 3-year-old is facing, let alone what she's already overcome. At 18-months-old, Olivia DeCoria was diagnosed with a rare chromosome disorder.

“She's missing about 200 different genes," said Julie Decoria. Those missing genes specifically protect against cancer of the breast, bone, brain, skin, tissue and eye.

“I was looking closely and I could see white underneath her pupil," she said. In the fall of 2011, Olivia's battle officially began. “It sounds cliché to say your heart breaks and your whole world shatters, but it does." Although caught early, doctors discovered Olivia's eye held a Stage 4 cancerous tumor that would soon metastasis to her brain. "Her eye was a ticking time bomb," she said.

Within a week, Olivia went from the ER to the OR. “It is every parent’s worst nightmare that your child will be sick." Remember, this is only the beginning.

“This is a fight that's far from over," she said.

When asked what Julie thinks God’s plan is for Olivia, her answer was simple. “To inspire,” she said.

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